Key Points:
- The costs of the two options are very much in line with one another.
- Apple Music does not offer a free option; Amazon Music does.
- While there are very many similarities, Apple Music is said to edge out Amazon Music on music quality.
Apple Music and Amazon Music are two of the most popular music streaming services. The platforms share a number of similarities and differences. While Amazon Music has been around much longer, Apple Music has steadily gained in popularity since it was launched. If you are still trying to decide which platform is right for you, this detailed comparison might help.

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Apple Music vs Amazon Music: Side-by-Side Comparison
Apple Music | Amazon Music | |
---|---|---|
Launched: | 2015 | 2007 |
Free Trial Period: | Three months | One month |
Signup Price: | $9.99 per month | $9.99 per month, free for Prime members (limited music library with no ads) |
Family Plan: | $14.99 per month for six accounts | $14.99 per month for six accounts |
Student Rate: | $4.99 per month | $4.99 per month |
Annual Subscription: | $99 | $79 (Prime members only) |
Total Available Songs: | Over 75 million | Over 75 million |
Song Download Limit: | 100,000 | 100,000 |

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Apple Music vs Amazon Music: What’s the Difference?
When comparing the features of these two platforms, some key things to consider are subscriptions, price, sound quality, ads, and music unlimited options. While Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music share many similarities, there are some key differences.
Amazon Music gives you the option to stream music for free. The catch to this is that the only music you can access is specific Amazon playlists. The music is also interrupted by ads. Apple Music does not offer a free service.
While both platforms utilize Dolby Atmos for immersive sound, Amazon Music Unlimited has more limitations when using this feature.
One of the key differences between Apple Music and Amazon Music is their cloud music features. Apple Music’s iCloud Music Library enables you to download and sync music across any platform when logged in with the same Apple ID. Amazon Music does not offer this type of service.
When it comes to social media integration features, Amazon Music allows users to easily post links and songs to the social media network of their choice. Apple Music’s social media integration is limited and not as seamless.

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Apple Music vs Amazon Music: Nine Must-Know Facts
- Apple Music and Amazon Music have a song download limit of 100,000.
- Amazon Music was launched in 2007, while Apple Music was launched in 2015.
- Apple Music is considered to have an edge in overall sound quality.
- Both music platforms have a starting price of $9.99 per month.
- Amazon Music offers free music streaming to a limited playlist library.
- The standard student rate for both platforms is $4.99 per month.
- Family plans for Apple Music and Amazon Music start at $14.99 per month for six accounts.
- Both music streaming services utilize Dolby Atmos to produce immersive sound.
- Apple Music and Amazon Music offer a library of over 75 million songs.
Which One is Better?
There are many pros and cons to consider before making a decision between Apple Music and Amazon Music. Both offer excellent sound quality and a host of other features. With that said, when weighing the pros and cons, these music platforms have more similarities than differences. Ultimately, it comes down to which features you value most. Amazon Music has an advantage in social media integration, while Apple Music has an advantage in cloud services and sound quality. Whichever service you decide on, you will have access to a massive song library at an excellent value.
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